Welcome!
Welcome
DR. CONNIE M. LEACH
LIFE TRANSITIONS COACH FOR WOMEN
About Connie
Helping women move from living by default to living by design — with confidence, purpose, and joy.
Where My Journey Began
From the time I was eight years old, I knew I wanted to be a teacher—and that dream never wavered. But the path to get there wasn’t easy.
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My grades were low, and a counselor once told me I’d flunk out of college. I didn’t know how to navigate higher education or even where to start. Still, I was determined.
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I began at a junior college and nearly failed, but I learned something life-changing: ask for help and build relationships. I reached out to my professors, improved my grades, and transferred to Sacramento State.
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All through college, I volunteered in classrooms, learning the craft of teaching from the ground up. When I finally began student teaching, I made every mistake possible—showing up late, running out of lunch money, and feeling completely unprepared. But I discovered something powerful: I was born to teach.
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Inspiring and encouraging others came naturally, and soon I was offered several teaching positions. I had achieved my childhood dream.
Losing Myself Along the Way
Years later, after having two children of my own, I realized I’d lost touch with who I was beyond being a teacher, wife, and mother.
One birthday, my family asked where I wanted to go for dinner—and I couldn’t answer. I kept choosing restaurants they would like. That small moment was my wake-up call: I no longer knew what I wanted.
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It was the first time I recognized that even when life looks “successful,” it can still feel uncertain.
Rediscovering My Path
A few years later, I attended a workshop on goal setting. I assumed I didn't need it--I'd already achieved my goals. But through a series of exercises, I ended up writing three new goals. I realized I hadn't dreamed for myself in years. Over time, I achieved every one. That experience reignited something I'd lost--the belief that it's never too late to redesign your life.
Understanding Life's Turning Points
I understand the deep pain of loss because I’ve lived it. When I was just eight years old, I lost my father, leaving my mother to raise my younger sister and me on her own. Later in life, I faced the sudden loss of a close relative and endured breakups that left me feeling betrayed and alone. But the greatest loss I’ve ever experienced was the sudden and unexpected passing of my grown son. I know what it feels like to have my life abruptly change as if the ground beneath me gave way.
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These experiences have fueled my passion for helping others navigate life’s challenges with strength, clarity, and purpose. As a coach, I’ve supported countless women in reconnecting with who they are—personally, professionally, and in their relationships. So often, I’ve found that their struggles stem from a deeper disconnect with their self-worth and confidence.
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Wherever you are on your path, I’m here to guide and walk alongside you—to help you uncover new possibilities and create a future that feels authentic, empowering, and entirely your own.
The Birth of Life by Design Coaching for Women
That moment of rediscovery inspired me to bring together my lifelong experience in education, my graduate work in counseling and educational leadership, and my training as an Adler-certified life coach to help other women find their way forward.
Through Life by Design Coaching, I now guide women through transitions—after breakups, career changes, empty nests, or new beginnings—helping them move from uncertainty to clarity and confidence.
Together, we uncover strengths, identify roadblocks, and design a future that feels purposeful and fulfilling.
My mission: To help women rediscover who they are, rebuild their confidence, and design a life that truly reflects their values, strengths, and dreams.
professional
background
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Ed.D., Educational Leadership, Arizona State University
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M.A., Counseling, University of Phoenix
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M.A., Elementary Education, Northern Arizona University
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B.A., Psychology, Sacramento State College
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Certified Adler Trained Life Coach
author
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Design Your Daring Life Workbook
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Charge Up Your Life Workbook for Teens
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Charge Up Your Life Workbook
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Charge Up Your Life Self-Help Book
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Charge Up Your Life Journal
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Adolescent Girls at Risk
specializations
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Positive Psychology
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Divorce & Relationship Coaching
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Career Counseling & Coaching
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Happiness Coaching
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Group Coaching
Why My Work Matters
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I know what it’s like to feel lost after life changes.
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I’ve stood at the crossroads, wondering what’s next—and I’ve found my way through.
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That’s why I believe every woman deserves the chance to rediscover her voice, her joy, and her next chapter.
You don’t have to have it all figured out. You just need to take the first step.
Let's Chat: I'd love to help!
This is a relaxed, no-pressure 30-minute call where we’ll chat about where you are in life and what you want to achieve. It’s a chance for you to get clear on your goals and see how coaching can support you in creating the life you desire. No strings attached—just a friendly conversation to explore your next steps.
Please give me a call or text me at 480.694.5678. Please leave your name, reason for your call and your phone number and I'll return your call as soon as possible. I look forward to meeting you!
Or, get started by clicking here to fill out and submit my consultation form. I look forward to hearing from you!